Spain in the OTI Festival

Although RTVE selected their representants internally and didn't follow the tradition of national finals started by countries such as Mexico, Chile or Guatemala, Spain almost always selected famous names, most of whom would achieve strong results. Spain won the event on 6 occasions, which makes it the second most successful participant after Mexico.

The first Spanish victory came in 1976 with the singer-songwriter María Ostiz and her song "Canta cigarra" (Cicada, start singing!). This protest song, which transmitted a deep feeling of sadness, was not one of the favourite ones to win the contest, in fact being among the least favoured entries in the betting odds. Ostiz, who thought that she could not win, left the auditorium before the voting process started, but she had to return when her victory was clear.

In 1981, RTVE achieved the second Spanish victory in the festival, which was held in Mexico City, with Francisco and his song "Latino" (Latin man).[1] This song became a great hit both in Spain and Latin America and contributed to launch the career of the singer internationally. Francisco won again the festival in 1992 with the song "¿Adonde voy sin ti?" (Where am I going without you?). Since then, the singer started became known as the Latin Johnny Logan because of his two victories.

One year later, the Flamenco singer Ana Reverte achieved the fourth Spanish victory in the festival with the song "Enamorarse" (To fall in love).

The last Spanish victories came with Marcos Llunas in 1995[2] (who would represent Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest two years later) and with Anabel Russ in 1996.[3]

The prominent Marisol was the first Spanish OTI performer

The well known singer Camilo Sesto represented Spain in the OTI Festival in 1973.

The band Trigo Limpio represented Spain in OTI in 1977 before taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Table key

• Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest
• Spain in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest